Chapter 9 - the winter gala trap
The night of the annual Moretti winter gala arrived.
The stone compound was illuminated by thousands of white fairy lights, heavy evergreen wreaths, and massive ice sculptures in the courtyard. The grand ballroom was filled with two hundred elite guests—syndicate leaders, politicians, and high-society figures in expensive tuxedos and designer gowns.
Music drifted through the air, but beneath the luxury, tension ran thick.
Standing near the grand staircase was Bianca Moretti, looking breathtaking in a sweeping crimson silk dress, holding a glass of champagne. She smiled arrogantly, greeting guests, confident that her plan to destroy the new nanny was already in motion.
Suddenly, the orchestral music paused.
At the top of the grand marble staircase stood Rico Moretti. He looked magnificent in a dark navy tuxedo, his battle-hardened face calm and commanding.
Beside him stood Clara Vance.
The entire room gasped. Clara wore an exquisite, floor-length emerald green gown that perfectly complemented her soft brown hair and rosy skin. Resting elegantly against her collarbone was the silver antique locket.
And holding her hand was little Leo, looking handsome and happy in a mini black tuxedo, holding his teddy bear with a big, bright smile.
Bianca’s champagne glass nearly slipped from her manicured fingers. Her jaw dropped in absolute horror as she watched the boy—who hadn't smiled in six months—laughing softly as Clara bent down to whisper in his ear.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Rico’s deep, booming voice echoed across the ballroom. "Thank you for joining us tonight. Before we begin the celebration, I have an important family announcement regarding the future of the Moretti estate."
Rico led Clara and Leo down the grand staircase, stopping in the center of the ballroom floor.
Bianca pushed her way through the crowd, her face twisted in fake concern. "Rico... what is the meaning of this? Why is this servant wearing family jewelry in front of our guests?"
Rico looked at Bianca with terrifying, ice-cold stillness.
"She isn't a servant, Bianca," Rico stated clearly for the entire room to hear. "She is Clara Vance... the biological sister of my late wife, Elena."
The crowd erupted into shocked whispers.
Bianca went pale, but she quickly recovered, her eyes flashing with venom. "That's impossible! She's a fraud trying to steal Leo's trust!"
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"The DNA test was verified three days ago, Bianca," Rico added smoothly, pulling a leather file from Dante’s hands. "Along with the forensic financial audit of the New Jersey shell accounts."
Bianca froze, her breath catching in her throat.
